I have felt out of step with American religion, because my interest has been on environmentalism and earth care. Recently, I have discovered a swell of environmental consciousness among Christian leaders. I just read that "Religious activism on behalf of the environment is now common—in some cases, to the point of becoming widespread, organized, and institutionalized." (Engaging Religions to Shape Worldviews, from Worldwatch.org). Among United Methodists there is resurgence of interest in earth care. We used to call it stewardship, but the term connotes raising money. So now, we focus on caring for this planet and even loving the world in which we live. Our leaders, specifically, the Council of Bishops, have released a pastoral letter to the churches and a foundation document called, "God's Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action." I am currently leading a study in my church on these documents. Members of the first study session revealed to me just how deep this ecological concern runs. Two farmer/ranchers told me that care for the land is an intelligent stance to take for both successful business and a meaningful life.
Posts
Pastor, you may be interested in a new book titled Tending to Eden: Environmental Stewardship for God's People by Scott Sabin. Scott is executive director of Plant With Purpose, a global Christian environmental non-profit which works with the rural poor. You can read more about the book here: http://www.judsonpress.com/product.cfm?product_id=13907.
ReplyDelete